Tripod Advice?

[Lilandra]

I need a tripod. I think I have the unsteadiest hands ever. I'm fed up of blur and I know I can't blame my camera (maybe I can blame the lens...heh).

I have a Nikon D80 with an 18-55mm lens (yes...terrible). It's very limiting and I crave another lens...either longer because what does an 18-55mm get you...not much! :-( or a 50mm f/1.4 or a 60mm f/2.8D macro or something even longer...90mm macro? or something even longer ;-)

But well, two major reasons I can't justify spending it...

1. i quit my job not too long after buying the d80
2. how can i buy a new lens if i haven't "mastered" the camera or even the starter lens first??

Well, I mention the lenses I want so that they can be taken into account for advice.

I shoot mostly food and flowers (and well family...and some landscapes...and my cat)

I was thinking a table top (but then how does this help me with my flowers outside??).

I've tried researching but I get kind of lost.

There's no deadline because even after I figure out what I want I have to figure out how I'm going to buy it.

I hope someone can help.

This is my flickr account

thanks for any pointers/help

[flhiker]

Hi Lilandra, I have a very inexpensive tripod I bought from Walmart, It is a vivatar and cost me around 25.00 dollars It is very light with quick release legs and came with 2 quick release camera mounts. I love it.
When you take your close-ups are you using the macro setting?
Pretty Kitty.
until you get one here is a little trick I do when I don't have one, I put the timer on 4 sec. because the camera moves when you depress the button so by setting the timer it will be still.

[Ross]

As a pro using Nikon gear (I have approx 15 lenses ranging from 14mm fisheye to a 300mm f4 tele, I use a Gitzo tripod.) It is by far the most solid and stable tripod made. A cheap tripod will not support a body like the D80 with a lens like the 200mm micro solid enough to eliminate camera movement. Both Gitzo and Bogen (who markets the Gitzo brand) make excellent tripods and some are not too expensive. Besides the tripod, you'll need a good ball head and mounts for the camera body. If you go with something like Dave suggests, don't try anything longer than the 60mm micro, and at that, you'll still get some vibrations through the system with extreme closeups. Hope this helps.

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Ross

As a pro using Nikon gear (I have approx 15 lenses ranging from 14mm fisheye to a 300mm f4 tele, I use a Gitzo tripod.) It is by far the most solid and stable tripod made. A cheap tripod will not support a body like the D80 with a lens like the 200mm micro solid enough to eliminate camera movement. Both Gitzo and Bogen (who markets the Gitzo brand) make excellent tripods and some are not too expensive. Besides the tripod, you'll need a good ball head and mounts for the camera body. If you go with something like Dave suggests, don't try anything longer than the 60mm micro, and at that, you'll still get some vibrations through the system with extreme closeups. Hope this helps.

How heavy is this camera set-up Ross
I use my Pentax ZX-60 with a 300mm Zoom and I don't get any movement or shake out of my tripod. Unless it is really windy.

[gmdiaz]

I recommend a Vivatar cheapie too. . .light weight and works like a charm. And it's not so nice that I feel badly about setting it up in a creek or whatever. lolol

I have a very nice one and it's kind of cumbersome in comparison.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by flhiker

How heavy is this camera set-up Ross
I use my Pentax ZX-60 with a 300mm Zoom and I don't get any movement or shake out of my tripod. Unless it is really windy.

Fairly heavy. I use the D200, a similar but more advanced model. The Vivitar (I used to have one) uses leg braces that prevent it from the custom setups the Bogens and Gitzos have. The Bogen and Gitzos are totally immune to dust and water and dirt. They are very heavy though and don't make good backpacking tripods. I use a strap tripod for hiking. Kirk Accessories In a pinch I also use it for macro work with a VR lens like my Nikkor 105 micro.

[ipv6ready]

Hi,

Just like to say - any tripod is better then no tripod and I totally agree with Ross but this might not be a priority for you.

I would suggest getting a decent cheap tripod from vivitar or house brands at Digital cameras, all other cameras and everything photographic from Adorama Camera or KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More.

Have a look at the 2nd collection too.

Also I would suggest to you forget the 50mm f/1.4 and just get the 50mm f/1.8

50mm f1.8 is a great, super sharp, low light versatile lens,

You can also take great macro with close-up filters or as a reverse mount adapter.

Be careful -> photography can become as addictive hobby as orchids


Hmm I wonder how many people into orchids are photogs or budding photogs...Is there a connection? Jim is a retired cinematographer

[Bolero]

If I buy another tripod I will be buying a Manfrotto. Excellent quality and the price isn't bad really.

It's worth spending a little more when you have a good camera like that.

[ipv6ready]

Originally Posted by Bolero

If I buy another tripod I will be buying a Manfrotto. Excellent quality and the price isn't bad really.

It's worth spending a little more when you have a good camera like that.

I second that.

[cirillonb]

I've used cameras on tripods back to the days of large format film. With the lighter digital cameras, even slr type, I am very comfortable with the vivatar-type. One of the secrets to motion free pictures, especially closeups like orchids, has been mentioned above...shutter release. If your camera as an old fashioned socket for a shutter release cable use that. Lacking such, I agree to set the auto timer to its shortest period, push the release and get your hands off the camera, tripod and table the specimen is sitting on.
Also, be sure the subject is in focus in the first place.
Nick